Japan has launched its first dedicated submarine-hunting warship in nearly 30 years, with Tokyo concerned primarily with monitoring Chinese submarines operating close to and within its waters, while also keeping an eye on North Korea’s submersibles.

The twin-hulled ship, named Aki, was unveiled by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) at a launch ceremony on January 15 at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding’s facilities in Okayama Prefecture, central Japan. It is currently being fitted…